The holiday season is upon us and as tempting as it might be to stuff your face with chocolates and treats, the holidays are actually the perfect time to cleanse: to reset your body and feel revitalized.
Cleansing has a multitude of benefits, which I've mentioned in a previous article. It increases energy, builds a healthy immune system, eliminates damaging liver stones, helps you maintain your weight short term and long term, and so much more. It's no joke, juices aren't just an aesthetically pleasing Instagram prop but a road to living your best life.
With the rise of juicing in recent years, there is no shortage of juice shops in Toronto, I mean they're everywhere. But finding one that is organic, sourced locally, and environmentally conscious can be challenging especially if you don't know where to start. From living in Toronto, I've had my share of juice cleanses and done my share of research, so I thought I'd share my top (certified organic) picks with you.
So without further ado, here are my top four juice shops in Toronto:
ELXR Juice Lab is probably one of my favorites, and it's not just because of the juices but because of their values and waste reduction practices. ELXR as stated on their website works to promote "healthy alternatives to conventional food products with cold pressed juices, protein-dense plant-based mylks, waters, booster shots, and cleanse packages that reconnect consumers with the goodness of Earth". They use organic fruits and vegetables, from local farmers so you know you are getting your moneys worth. In addition their bottles are made from 100% recycled material further promoting environmental sustainability. If you are ever in Toronto this is definitely a juice shop to stop at.
Where you can find them (they have a ton of locations): Belfast Love548 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3, Jimmy’s Coffee on McCaul166 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1W4Phone: (647) 748-0500
I used to live right beside a Greenhouse Juice Co., and even though my wallet hated me, the constant refills had me energized and revitalized everyday. Greenhouse Juice Co. is a proud Canadian company (which you know we love), but what made them stand out was their value prop: "to promote inclusiveness, to treat everyone with thoughtfulness and respect". I think it's important to support brands that voice their values on equality and positivitey, because there are so many companies out there who become focused on revenue. In addition to their amazing values, they also source their products from local farms and "press all of [their] juices in small batches in Toronto without using preservatives, additives, pasteurization, or HPP," so, you know you know it's fresh and local.
Where you can find them (they have multiple locations): 5 Macpherson Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 1W7, 176 Yonge Street, Saks Lower Level Toronto, ON M5C 2L7, 57 Yorkville Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 2B1
Village Juicery derived from Toronto from a group of "nutritionists, chefs and dedicated team members". They look to "make a lasting impact on the health of our community through plant-based nutrition". Their philiosphy revolves around "knowledge is power", and the importance of keeping you informed on what you are putting into your body which is why I really liked this shop. Village Juicery has an amazing educational blog where they write detailed information on cleansing and the various benefits. In addition they offer wellness programs where you can learn about their products and ask a nutritionist any question you may have about cleansing.
Where you can find them: 540 College Street Toronto, Ontario, M6G 1A6
Buda Juice is a newer juice to me, I tried it fairly recently and instantly fell in love. Born in Canada, Buda Juice strives to promote "never processed, pasteurized, contaminated by pesticides or chemicals" juice. In addition, "each hand-squeezed bottle of Buda Juice® is full of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and raw energy just as nature intended". They state that juices made go from farmer to consumer in just 5 days. Now that's fresh. In addition Buda Juice uses 100% natural recyclable bottles, and donate all the pulp left over to local farmers. Talk about a triple whammy.
Where you can find them: 87 Avenue Rd Toronto, ON, M5R 3R9, 93 Laird DriveToronto, ON, M4G 3V1
